Gatorland, “The Alligator Capital of the World”, started welcoming guests back from 23rd May and have taken social distancing to the next level!

A bigfoot type creature, known as Gatorland’s Skunk Ape has joined the team since reopening. Also described as the Covid-19 safety manager, his role is to keep everyone safe at the wildlife park, making sure guests are following the guidelines and keeping two metres apart. He's pretty hairy, grunts a lot and takes his job a bit seriously, so watch out for him when you visit!

What is a Skunk Ape?

For those that don’t know, the skunk ape has been a part of Florida folklore since the settler period. There have been sightings of it across the state, with first reports of a large primate-type creature in Florida in 1818. Many have questioned the existence of the elusive and mysterious skunk ape, even though there have been stories about it for centuries.

The skunk ape has always kept its distance, so who better to remind guests about keeping a safe distance than Gatorland’s very own Social Distancing Skunk Ape. This hairy fella is more than just an expert at keeping away, he is also an expert about keeping your hands clean and sanitising regularly! He is featured in informative in-park videos, as well as randomly appearing in the park for meet and greets… from a safe distance of course. These imaginative safety efforts have kept the fun in the park, whilst also making sure everyone is safe when they visit.

Behind the skunk ape campaign, there is of course a serious safety message. Guidelines are in place at the park to ensure the highest level of safety for guests and staff. Signage encourages guests to practice social distancing, as well as being respectful of others, for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. And watch out as the Social Distancing Skunk Ape will be on the lookout for anyone misbehaving! 

Gatorland’s Current Changes:

• All queue lines at admissions, shows, rides, food venues and retail shops have been marked for safe physical distancing based on CDC guidelines.
• The park itself, food venues, retail shops, all shows, and rides now have reduced capacities and seats to provide comfortable and safe social distancing.
• All rides, show seating, transaction counters, and pin pads are disinfected after every ride, show, or transaction.
• All contact surfaces, doorknobs, handrails, grab rails, benches, chairs, and toilet surfaces are sanitised frequently throughout the day.
• All counters, tables, and chairs at all food venues are sanitised and cleaned after every guest.
• All public surfaces throughout the entire park are thoroughly disinfected every night.
• They have added over 50 additional hand washing and hand sanitiser stations throughout the park.
• The park will be opening in phases, with some attractions remaining closed during these phases, due to limited space for proper social distancing.
• Guests are encouraged to wear face masks.
• All employees are required to have their temperature checked before working, and wear face masks at all times in the park.
• By entering Gatorland, guests must agree that: They do not have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Gatorland reserves the right to check their temperature if they exhibit symptoms. They will endeavor to maintain social distancing from other groups; and they will frequently use hand washing and hand sanitiser stations.

Gatorland has been working hard over the last few months to get the park ready for guests, with their CEO saying “we embarked upon the largest overhaul of the park in our 70-year history, which was a huge mission” and have produced a “31-page policy manual for safely operating the park in a post COVID-19 world.” With new procedures in place, they are excited to welcome guests back to the park.

Our previous blog on how to stay healthy and hygienic at Orlando's theme parks, should give you a few extra tips you can put into use when out and about on holiday.

Gatorland’s Main Attractions

Gatorland is home to a wide range of alligators and crocodiles, from babies, also known as grunts, to the 14ft crocodiles found in their breeding marsh. They even have the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. This 110-acre wildlife park opened in 1949 and was a popular attraction before Disney World and Universal arrived in Orlando. Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun and is located very close to our villas in Kissimmee.

Gatorland Fun Fact - Gatorland’s iconic alligator entrance was conceptualised and built in 1962 by Frank Godwin, son of the founder of Gatorland. Godwin took a taxidermy gator head home, set it on his kitchen table, studied it for weeks and ultimately built the mouth using steel beams and concrete. The entrance is 15ft wide, 21ft long, and 14ft high. The iconic mouth has graced the covers of hundreds of books, magazines, and postcards!

Evolving over the years, to bring exciting experiences to guests, Gatorland is now more than just a gator park! Take a look at some of their top attractions:

• Gator Jumparoo Show - This is a show that made Gatorland world famous! Get your cameras at the ready, as some of the largest alligators in the world jump four feet or more out of the water in this one-of-a-kind show.
• Alligators – Legends of the Swamp Show - Watch as one of Gatorland’s bravest employers takes the stage with a 6 - 8ft alligator in order to demonstrate the amazing survival features of this legendary creature.
• White Alligator Swamp - Gatorland is home to the largest community of rare albino and leucistic alligators in the U.S. These giant ivory coloured reptiles are approximately 12ft in length and weigh over 800 pounds.
• Screamin’ Gator Zip Line - This high flying, heart pounding adventure takes you on a zip line around the park and over the alligator breeding marsh!
• Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure - This is Gatorland’s newest experience, where guests climb aboard a giant monster truck style off-road vehicle for a rough ridin’ wild adventure! Tour the wilds of real Florida wetlands and straight into a massive alligator pond. This is certainly a one-off experience!

Tickets for Gatorland are available to book through our website. These are a one day ticket; ideal if you’re looking for a more affordable day out during your Orlando holiday. For more information about this jawsome park, take a look at our previous blog and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Social Distancing Skunk Ape when you visit!